Konstas looks to open up with his best in Testing times
Freshly recalled Australia teenager Sam Konstas admits his emotions got to him during his bold Test debut, but he has vowed to return a stronger player.
Konstas will return for his first Test since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider in January when Australia face the West Indies in a three-match series starting in Barbados on June 26.
The 19-year-old will replace Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped after being trialled as an opener in the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa.
Konstas stormed on to the international scene by ramping India superstar Jasprit Bumrah on his way to an unforgettable 60 last Boxing Day.
But he was overlooked for the two Tests in Sri Lanka earlier this year, then the WTC decider at Lord's last week.
Selectors have brought Konstas back into the fold for the Caribbean tour, planning ahead of this summer's Ashes.
"The emotions probably got to me with the crowd," Konstas told reporters in Barbados of his whirlwind debut.
"It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game.
"I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game.
"I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on.
"It's a dream come true, to be honest.
"(To be) 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am."
Labuschagne makes way for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, paying the price for an underwhelming previous WTC cycle.
The 30-year-old was the top-ranked Test batter in the world as recently as two years ago, but has averaged just 27.82 since then.
As well as Labuschagne, Australia will also be without Steve Smith, who is recovering from a dislocated finger suffered during a crucial moment in the WTC final.
"Obviously it's a tough team to crack and (it has) got legends of the game in that team," Konstas said.
"Very excited for the opportunity, and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.
"I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked (recently).
"I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way.
"Hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches."
Freshly recalled Australia teenager Sam Konstas admits his emotions got to him during his bold Test debut, but he has vowed to return a stronger player.
Konstas will return for his first Test since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider in January when Australia face the West Indies in a three-match series starting in Barbados on June 26.
The 19-year-old will replace Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped after being trialled as an opener in the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa.
Konstas stormed on to the international scene by ramping India superstar Jasprit Bumrah on his way to an unforgettable 60 last Boxing Day.
But he was overlooked for the two Tests in Sri Lanka earlier this year, then the WTC decider at Lord's last week.
Selectors have brought Konstas back into the fold for the Caribbean tour, planning ahead of this summer's Ashes.
"The emotions probably got to me with the crowd," Konstas told reporters in Barbados of his whirlwind debut.
"It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game.
"I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game.
"I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on.
"It's a dream come true, to be honest.
"(To be) 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am."
Labuschagne makes way for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, paying the price for an underwhelming previous WTC cycle.
The 30-year-old was the top-ranked Test batter in the world as recently as two years ago, but has averaged just 27.82 since then.
As well as Labuschagne, Australia will also be without Steve Smith, who is recovering from a dislocated finger suffered during a crucial moment in the WTC final.
"Obviously it's a tough team to crack and (it has) got legends of the game in that team," Konstas said.
"Very excited for the opportunity, and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.
"I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked (recently).
"I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way.
"Hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches."
Freshly recalled Australia teenager Sam Konstas admits his emotions got to him during his bold Test debut, but he has vowed to return a stronger player.
Konstas will return for his first Test since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy decider in January when Australia face the West Indies in a three-match series starting in Barbados on June 26.
The 19-year-old will replace Marnus Labuschagne, who was dropped after being trialled as an opener in the shock World Test Championship final loss against South Africa.
Konstas stormed on to the international scene by ramping India superstar Jasprit Bumrah on his way to an unforgettable 60 last Boxing Day.
But he was overlooked for the two Tests in Sri Lanka earlier this year, then the WTC decider at Lord's last week.
Selectors have brought Konstas back into the fold for the Caribbean tour, planning ahead of this summer's Ashes.
"The emotions probably got to me with the crowd," Konstas told reporters in Barbados of his whirlwind debut.
"It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game.
"I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game.
"I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on.
"It's a dream come true, to be honest.
"(To be) 19 years old, playing for your country, travelling the world, getting to experience different cultures and against the best players as well … I'm lucky to be where I am."
Labuschagne makes way for the first time since the 2019 Ashes, paying the price for an underwhelming previous WTC cycle.
The 30-year-old was the top-ranked Test batter in the world as recently as two years ago, but has averaged just 27.82 since then.
As well as Labuschagne, Australia will also be without Steve Smith, who is recovering from a dislocated finger suffered during a crucial moment in the WTC final.
"Obviously it's a tough team to crack and (it has) got legends of the game in that team," Konstas said.
"Very excited for the opportunity, and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.
"I've been training really hard and I understand the reasons why they picked (recently).
"I'm just trying to be in the present moment, trying to focus on a few key areas with my batting coach, and feel like I've come a long way.
"Hopefully I can display that in the next few Test matches."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
2 hours ago
- The Age
Labuschagne in the nets, Smith in New York
Smith and Labuschagne typically hit more balls than anyone in the Australian squad, so it would've stung the latter to watch others – Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Josh Inglis, Cam Green – get first crack during a lengthy centre-wicket net session at a training venue 30 minutes out of Bridgetown that was more park cricket than international standard. At one point, Labuschagne looked ready to stride in – only for Alex Carey to gently tell him it wasn't his turn yet. Chief selector George Bailey was at training, just days after informing Labuschagne that his streak of 53 consecutive Tests since the 2019 Ashes was over. At 30, Labuschagne's Test career is far from finished. He is too good a player and his Test average of 46.19 still eclipses Justin Langer (45.27), Usman Khawaja (44.96) and David Warner (44.59). An injury to someone in the top six this week would see Labuschagne parachuted in given Australia aren't carrying a spare batsman at the moment. When his time for a bat finally came, after nearly two hours of practice, Labuschagne faced a mix of net bowlers and assistant coaches armed with the 'whanger' before poring over footage with a team analyst and discussing technique improvements. He stayed in the nets for nearly 20 minutes after others had packed up for lunch, watching England attempt to get close to India's first innings total of 471 on the clubhouse TV. Earlier, Labuschagne had selflessly bowled seam-up to teammates – including Khawaja and Konstas – for the best part of an hour to help them prepare. Even when Labuschagne tempted Konstas into a drive and found an edge, he didn't celebrate. Australia will have one more main training session on Monday before the team's opening Test on Wednesday. Selectors are strongly considering playing two spinners, with left-armer Matt Kuhnemann in the frame to join Nathan Lyon on what is expected to be a dry Kensington Oval pitch. NSW paceman Sean Abbott sent down a long spell after replacing the injured Brendan Doggett in the squad but remains at long odds for a debut in this match, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all fit. 'Obviously the four guys have been playing some pretty unbelievable cricket. There's a pretty firm pecking order,' Abbott told reporters. Loading 'I'd say it's probably going to be more of an opportunity through injury or trying to rest a few guys. 'I mean it's good being here. I need you guys to have a chat to Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] and Bails [selector George Bailey] and put in a good word so I get a game. 'If I do, I'll get the first shout of rums down at the bar.'
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Labuschagne in the nets, Smith in New York
Smith and Labuschagne typically hit more balls than anyone in the Australian squad, so it would've stung the latter to watch others – Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, Josh Inglis, Cam Green – get first crack during a lengthy centre-wicket net session at a training venue 30 minutes out of Bridgetown that was more park cricket than international standard. At one point, Labuschagne looked ready to stride in – only for Alex Carey to gently tell him it wasn't his turn yet. Chief selector George Bailey was at training, just days after informing Labuschagne that his streak of 53 consecutive Tests since the 2019 Ashes was over. At 30, Labuschagne's Test career is far from finished. He is too good a player and his Test average of 46.19 still eclipses Justin Langer (45.27), Usman Khawaja (44.96) and David Warner (44.59). An injury to someone in the top six this week would see Labuschagne parachuted in given Australia aren't carrying a spare batsman at the moment. When his time for a bat finally came, after nearly two hours of practice, Labuschagne faced a mix of net bowlers and assistant coaches armed with the 'whanger' before poring over footage with a team analyst and discussing technique improvements. He stayed in the nets for nearly 20 minutes after others had packed up for lunch, watching England attempt to get close to India's first innings total of 471 on the clubhouse TV. Earlier, Labuschagne had selflessly bowled seam-up to teammates – including Khawaja and Konstas – for the best part of an hour to help them prepare. Even when Labuschagne tempted Konstas into a drive and found an edge, he didn't celebrate. Australia will have one more main training session on Monday before the team's opening Test on Wednesday. Selectors are strongly considering playing two spinners, with left-armer Matt Kuhnemann in the frame to join Nathan Lyon on what is expected to be a dry Kensington Oval pitch. NSW paceman Sean Abbott sent down a long spell after replacing the injured Brendan Doggett in the squad but remains at long odds for a debut in this match, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all fit. 'Obviously the four guys have been playing some pretty unbelievable cricket. There's a pretty firm pecking order,' Abbott told reporters. Loading 'I'd say it's probably going to be more of an opportunity through injury or trying to rest a few guys. 'I mean it's good being here. I need you guys to have a chat to Ronnie [coach Andrew McDonald] and Bails [selector George Bailey] and put in a good word so I get a game. 'If I do, I'll get the first shout of rums down at the bar.'
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Australia quick Sean Abbott on the ‘trauma' of Pakistan escape, and the real Sam Konstas
Sean Abbott has detailed the trauma of his close shave from conflict in Pakistan but insists he is keen to return to the nation. The Australian paceman has meanwhile shed light on the dichotomy of Sam Konstas, describing the batting tyro as a 'hooligan' but also outlining his down-to-earth side. Abbott was a late call-up to the Aussie Test squad for the tour of the Caribbean after fellow quick Brendan Doggett was ruled out through injury. The 33-year-old has not played since the suspension of the Pakistan Super League last month. Abbott had been playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the competition but was forced to flee the country alongside a host of other international players when tensions between India and Pakistan boiled over. Abbott was among the Aussie players who had been on a flight that departed the Nur Khan airport only a few hours before the same military base was targeted by Indian forces. Speaking before Australian training on Saturday in Barbados, Abbott said he had been shaken by the experience. 'Shocking. I found it quite traumatic to be honest. It was different for everyone. I don't think it really sunk in for a few guys. Once our phones started pinging when we landed in Dubai as to what was happening since we left, it was pretty full on,' Abbott said. 'But the PSL itself was a great experience. The locals, I got to experience the Pakistan culture which was quite cool. I haven't really had the chance to do that before. And a lovely bunch of lads, and a pretty good tournament. But not the way I wanted to finish.' While some Aussies returned to the PSL when it resumed later in May – as happened with the Indian Premier League – Abbott stayed away. He has not however ruled a line through going back to Pakistan. 'I'd love to go back to Pakistan. Hopefully that sort of thing doesn't happen again. It's probably not something I want to experience again in terms of what was going when I left. But it was a fun tournament,' Abbott said. 'Obviously with all the security reasons, all the teams were based at the same hotel, so lots of friends as part of the overseas contingent so it was good fun.' A semi-regular in Australian white-ball teams in recent years, Abbott has also been around the mark for Test selection but remains without a baggy green. With Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all in the squad for the three Test series starting at Kensington Oval on Thursday morning (AEST), Abbott concedes he will need circumstances to conspire in his favour if he is to break through for a Test on this tour. 'I haven't really had the chance to have much of a chat (with selectors), but obviously the four guys that have been playing have been playing some pretty unbelievable cricket,' Abbott said. 'So pretty firm pecking order with those four up top. But obviously the West Indies may present some different conditions. Hopefully an opportunity there comes up. But obviously I'd say it's probably going to be more an opportunity through injury or trying to rest a few guys. Then again the conditions might suit playing two spinners.' One man locked in for the first Test is Abbott's NSW teammate Konstas, who will return to the XI for Australia's first match of the new World Test Championship cycle. While brashness may have been a feature of Konstas' brief international career to date, Abbott said there was a softer side to the youngster. 'Sammy's a hooligan,' Abbott said. 'I feel like I'm seeing his face everywhere at the minute, across social media. He's certainly burst onto the scene. 'But the thing that stood out for me with Sammy was after the Test series with India last year, we were out on the ground and he came up to me and asked me if those were my parents, standing a few metres away … he went over and chatted to them for about 30 or 40 minutes. 'I got to see what he was really about.'
